Morecambe vs Newport Match Preview

Morecambe finished the regular season at 4th place with 78 points and missed the direct promotion by a single point as Bolton had 79. That minimal 0-1 loss in the direct encounter against Bolton cost them a lot as it was their only loss in the last eight games during the regular season.

With 69 goals scored they had the third best offensive side in the league as they managed to find the back of the net at least once in eight of the last ten duels. In the first play off game they had to face Tranmere and they started strong winning 1-2 on the road followed up by a 1-1 draw at home which was enough to give them a ticket for the finals.Two players on double digits for them proves what a season it has been in attack as Stockton 13 goals - 3 assists and Mendes Gomes 15 goals - 4 assists are expected to play from the start.

Newport, on the other hand, finished the regular season at 3rd place with 73 points and they ended it in an unbeaten run collecting three wins and two draws. This allowed them to remain in the play off zone as it was a tough struggle considering that Salford with 71 points remained out.

Their offensive side was quite decent too, with 57 goals scored and they had at least a goal in four of the last five outings in the regular season. For them the first play off rival was Forest Green where they managed to get a clean 2-0 victory at home but things got a bit complicated in the return leg. They suffered a 4-2 defeat after conceding a late goal which means they had to play the extra time but still they managed to pull it together and scored again securing the ticket for the play off finals.

In conclusion, I think both teams can score at least once here. Morecambe has been showing an offensive football this season and they have been quite prolific. They have good enough players in attack and since the duo I mentioned did not score in the previous two games maybe now it could be their turn.

Newport managed to beat Morecambe on both direct duels this season 2-1 at home and 1-3 on the road but still finished lower than them. I expect a hard fought game by them once again and a goal is the minimum they could do.